Cable Assemblies

To use chutes effectively, workers must be able to quickly build the length of chute they need for the job. They require a strong linking system that will let them rapidly add or remove many chute sections.

Superchute meets this requirement with a FAST, LIGHTWEIGHT, and STRONG cable assembly. Working in pairs, the newest cable assemblies allow safe suspension of up to 200 ft. or 2000 lb. of chute (whichever is reached first) with a 10:1 safety factor (see New Height and Weight Limit explanations below).


The cable assembly consists of 3 key parts:
 

1. Forged Steel Clip: Strong and impossible to remove without cutting through cable
2. Wire Rope: Safer, lighter, & easier to handle than chain
3. U-Bolt Group: Secures the cable assemblies to the chute wall, & permits chutes to link up


Every Superchute® chute section is equipped with two strong, lightweight cable assemblies.
These are used to link one chute section to the next.

The cable assembly pair is the vital component of a chute section. Each pair supports the weight of the chute sections beneath. Therefore, the uppermost pairs in a chute system support more weight than cable assembly pairs located lower down in the chute system.

Consequently, if your system will mix Superchute® sections with older and newer cable assemblies, plan on putting the sections with the older cable assemblies at the base of the system. This action will put the stronger cable assemblies at the top of the system, where they are most needed.

All Superchute® sections are equipped with 2 cable assemblies.

To build a length of chute, simply clip the cables of the first section to the U-bolts of the section below. Repeat. The result will be 2 continuous cable-to-cable connections: one on each side of the chute. The connected cables will support the entire weight of the chute system, so there will be vitually no strain on the chute walls.

Click here for information on the height & weight limits of chute sections.


There are 3 cable assembly types:
 

Type 1: For Regular Sections

  • 1/2" diameter steel U-bolt
  • Forged steel clip with gate
  • 5/16" diameter galvanized wire rope
  • Working length: 40" pin-to-pin (see sketch)
 

Type 2: For Door Sections

  • 5/8" diameter steel U-bolt
  • Forged steel clip with gate
  • 5/16" diameter galvanized wire rope
  • Working length: 40" pin-to-pin (see sketch)

 


Type 3: For Top Hopper Sections

  • 5/8" diameter steel U-bolt
  • Forged steel clip with gate
  • 5/16" diameter galvanized wire rope
  • Working length: 16" pin-to-pin (see sketch)

Click here for more specifications on the cable assemblies.

Why doesn't Superchute® use chain?

"For general construction rigging never use a chain when it is possible to use wire rope. The failure of a single link of chain can result in a serious accident but wire rope on the other hand is frequently composed of 114 wires all of which must fail before the rope breaks. Wire rope gives you reserve strength and a chance to notice a hazard, chains do not."

From The Rigging Manual, CSAO, 1996

 

A cross sectional view of the 7 x 19 cable used by Superchute Ltd.

Great strength & safety result from using wire rope because it is composed of so many grouped wires.

In fact, there are 133 wires in total!

Chain on the other hand, is built of single links. Each link has to support the entire load, alone.

If a link fails, you will likely lose the whole chute system... with potentially fatal consequences.


CONSULT THE CHUTES MANUAL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CABLE ASSEMBLIES.